Tell us a little about yourself:
I currently work as a production intern at On The Radar Records Production.
I’m also a Student Philanthropy and Engagement Ambassador.
I’m originally from Cambridge, MA and my parents are originally from Ethiopia
What first got you interested in philosophy?
I am pursuing philosophy because it is a personal interest and I love the critical thinking aspect. I have always understood issues from multiple perspectives but studying philosophy has changed the way I assess problems and create solutions, made me a better communicator, and has helped me with presenting arguments with solid reasoning. Most philosophy courses are set up to be discussion-based and reading is done outside of class time. This way you learn a lot from peers and can hear the thoughts of an individual who also read what you read but from a different perspective.
Why did you choose Suffolk?
I chose Suffolk because of the variety of support systems it offers. It also is a great steppingstone for students looking to apply for law school after undergrad because of all the courses, majors, and extracurriculars related to the legal field.
What courses have been most compelling for you so far?
A course that has been the most compelling is an Ethics & Technology class I took during my freshman year, and I think is especially relevant today with the growth of AI. I wasn’t aware of AI and technology development when I started my college career, and this class introduced me to that ever-changing realm. I still look back at some of the texts used in the course when thinking about how affected we are by AI and technology.
Are there any faculty members who’ve shaped your time at Suffolk?
Professor Montgomery Link is a faculty member who has significantly impacted my academic career at Suffolk. I consider him a mentor. I recently took a course on Wittgenstein with him and plan to take an independent study with him to further expand my ideas. He dedicates himself to his students and the development of the department, this shows through his ability to connect with many students and thoroughly explain course material even to non-philosophy majors. When I first joined the Philosophy Department, I was unsure of myself, and Professor Link offered me many online resources and gave me a lot of feedback on my first few philosophy papers which in turn helped grow my confidence in the subject. He is always available for office hours or help in any course you take with him. He invited me to the Philosophy Symposium during my first year to hear the seniors present the development of their theories throughout the semester. It was an amazing opportunity that I was so grateful to attend and made me excited for my symposium. I always recommend my peers to take one class with Professor Link throughout their college career because it only really takes one and then somehow you end up taking formal logic!
Are you involved in any student organizations?
I am involved with Suffolk Philanthropy and Student Engagement Center, Philosophy Club, Black Student Union, and African Student Association. Additionally, I’m a general member of the Student Government and a member of Tri-Alpha Honor Society.
These student organizations have benefitted me by connecting me with students and alumni who share similar interests with me. Specifically, the Black Student Union is an important community at Suffolk University that has kept Black students at the center of all that they do and continues to create a safe space for all on campus.
What other important experiences have you had outside the classroom during your time here?
I studied abroad in Florence, Italy in the spring semester of 2023 at Lorenzo De Medici Institute. This drastically affected my education by making me a much more independent learner and increased my ability to engage and relate to people from diverse backgrounds. This is an experience that I am glad I took advantage of during my time at Suffolk.
Currently, I intern for On The Radar Records and I assist on the production side of things where I review contracts, organize producer split sheets, note-take, and write emails/schedule Zoom meetings. My boss allows me to sit in on calls with the label attorney for me to understand that side of the music business. These are crucial moments for me to understand the components of the role of an entertainment attorney and how much it can expand. Both experiences have affected my education by helping me relate my career aspirations to what I am currently studying and engaging with.
What are your goals for the future?
My future career ambitions are to attend law school, become a lawyer, continue studying philosophy, and become an entrepreneur. My experiences at Suffolk will help me achieve these goals by helping shape who I am today and giving me a unique, well-rounded background. All who have mentored me in my time here at Suffolk and through outside experiences have encouraged me to go after my goals with confidence and tenacity.